Here are their four easy fixes to optimize the surgical supply chain:
- Room stock — Standardized processes should be in place to rotate supply room stock, set par levels and remove old or infrequently used items. Check for out of date supplies and flag items that expire soon. Either return these items to the vendor or share with a sister facility that can use the supplies before they expire.
- Contracts — Meet with clinical staff and supply chain colleagues to review contracts and discuss areas of concern or improvement. Also, consider which vendors are contracted through your group purchasing organization.
- Preference cards — Make sure preference cards are accurate as possible, listing the correct items, with the right comments and precise quantities at all times.
- Scheduling — Understand the impact scheduling has on supplies. Collaborate with scheduling colleagues to avoid miscommunications, as scheduling the wrong procedure may increase the need for rush orders.
More articles on supply chain:
Pfizer raises drug prices by nearly 9%
CRISPR method could make malaria-proof mosquitoes
New tool paves the way for personalized medicine
